Take care, daddy, and come home soon

AMID the thousands of tearful departures at Edinburgh Airport yesterday, this was one of the most poignant.

After being briefly reunited with his wife and 16-month-old son over Christmas, Jamie Dougall kissed them both goodbye – and headed back to Afghanistan.

The 28-year-old soldier with 2 Scots, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, finished a three month tour of duty in time for Christmas with wife Erin and little Arran but was heading back into the action today (mon).

Erin said: “Arran is speaking now and he knows something is up. He was so happy to see his daddy.

“It’s very difficult but you eventually get used to it. It’s even harder this time because you know what it will be like, and someone has just been killed.

“It was brilliant having him home for Christmas. All the family had a big get-together and there were a lot of tearful goodbyes.”

The couple, from Glasgow, are based at Glencorse Barracks, Penicuik, Midlothian.

Erin added: “It’s hard for him when he comes home and back into changing nappies. But after a couple of days he is fine.”